The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.

Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ. You will have to register before you can post or view full size images in the forums.

Threaded View

Map Making: A question of Cost?

Hi all,

Amanda here. I'm relatively new to the Cartographer's Guild and overall hobby in general. I've aspirations of map making myself as well as putting out some requests to have some maps made for me also. I'm 90% certain it'll be a paid request, I simply haven't put one up because I'm clueless as to the honest 'value' of a map and how payment for it, it's copyright/ownership ect would work? I guess I'm not looking for an explanation that is as long as a novel, more simply as to what's fair in the 'industry' so to speak. I respect artists for their creation and just want to know they're getting the money they deserve and I'm getting my money's worth and not being taken advantage of, in lieu of my inexperience.

So, the cost of map making, is it a matter of Man Hours + Size of map? Size of map & Copyrights ect?